Lasse Birk Osen from Denmark shared a video of his Barbell Row technique on the StrongLifts Facebook Fan page.
I just started doing the exercise again after a two month break because of back pain. This time I really want to do it right so I grow strong without pain. Can I do better?
Many Deadlift cues also apply to Barbell Rows. In this case, you should keep the bar close to your body on the way up to reduce lower back stress. You can see on several reps how Lasse pulls the barbell to his shins right after it leaves the floor. If you're going to Barbell Row like that anyway, better to start with the bar closer to your shins, right above the center of your feet.
When you Barbell Row like this, you're probably going to hit your knees because they'll be in the way of the barbell. Solution: straighten your legs a little so the bar has room to travel. If you feel it pull in your hamstrings, stretch them.
The last thing is that you really need to pull faster than that. One because you'll lift a lot more weight. Two, you will recruit more muscle fibers by lifting fast. Be explosive and Barbell Row fast like StrongLifts Member Tom does here.
If you want me to review your technique, post a video of yourself Squatting, Deadlifting, Benching or Pressing on the StrongLifts Fan Page. I’ll select a video every now and then, and review it in a technique clinic like this one.
I love this thread Exercises Clinic, Thanks you very much coach.
i removed barbell rows from my training log and going to do weighted Pullups and inverted rows instead !
I found that rows are the place where if I remember to white knuckle my grip it makes a big difference in how much and how fast I can lift. Go gonzo! :-)
Any tips on how not to use excessive hip momentum?
Good hamstring flexibility is crucial when trying to perfect your form on rows. I suggest stretching them at least once a day. This will also help on squats and deadlifts.
Also, don’t forget to take a big breath of air into your belly and then flex your abs just before you pull. The internal pressure makes your torso more rigid so your spine and lower back muscles aren’t stressed as much.
I’m still somewhat new to these. Should the bar really be touching your upper abdomen/lower chest? I don’t normally bring it quite that high. Thanks!